Customs warns of fake online vehicle auctions
By Afiong Edemumoh The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has warned over a rising wave of fraudulent vehicle auction schemes circulating on social media, cautioning the public against falling victim to
By Afiong Edemumoh
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has warned over a rising wave of fraudulent vehicle auction schemes circulating on social media, cautioning the public against falling victim to impersonators posing as officials of the Service.
The alert follows the emergence of a fake account advertising cut-price vehicle sales, falsely linked to Customs operations.
The development has raised fresh concerns within the maritime and port ecosystem, where legitimate auction processes for seized vehicles remain a critical component of cargo enforcement and revenue generation.
In a statement, the NCS clarified that the claims being circulated online are entirely false and do not originate from the Service.
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“The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been drawn to a fraudulent social media account currently circulating online, falsely conducting vehicle auctions,” Customs stated.
The Service further emphasised that the officer whose image is being used in the viral posts has no connection to the fraudulent activity.
“The officer whose image is being used is not involved in any car sales on social media, and the account is an act of impersonation intended to defraud unsuspecting members of the public,” it added.
Findings show that the fake Instagram account, operating under the name “J.O ATTAH AUTOS” with the handle @nigeriacustom001, falsely presents itself as an authorised dealer of auctioned vehicles.
The page advertises multiple cars, including foreign-used models such as Mercedes-Benz, Toyota Camry, and Range Rover, with listed prices and contact details—creating a deceptive impression of legitimacy.
However, the Service highlighted the account’s fraudulent nature with a bold “Scam Alert” overlay on the image that was shared.
The NCS warned the public to exercise caution and avoid engaging with unverified platforms.
“Members of the public are strongly advised to disregard such messages, refrain from making any payments, and report the account for further action,” the statement read.
Reinforcing its commitment to transparency, the Service urged stakeholders and the public to rely solely on its verified communication channels for accurate information regarding auctions and other activities.
It listed its official platforms to inlude Facebook (Nigeria Customs Service), Instagram (@customsng), TikTok (@customsng), Threads (@customsng), X (@customsng), and its website.
